IMD Predicts Intense Heatwave From April To June; Surge In Power Demand Expected

India is bracing for hotter-than-usual temperatures between April and June, with central, eastern, and northwestern regions expected to experience more heatwave days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Monday.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that many areas could see a rise in heatwave days. "From April to June, most parts of north and east India, central India, and the plains of northwest India are likely to experience two to four more heatwave days than usual," he said.

Northwest India to Face Double the Heatwaves

Typically, India records four to seven heatwave days during this period. However, an IMD official noted that northwest India could see twice the usual number of heatwave days this summer, compared to the normal five to six days.

States expected to experience extreme heat include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and northern parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

April is expected to bring above-normal maximum temperatures across most of India, except for some parts of the west and east where temperatures may remain normal. Minimum temperatures will also be above normal in most areas.

Rising Temperatures May Strain Water and Power Supply

As temperatures climb, concerns are growing over water shortages and increased pressure on the power grid due to rising air conditioner usage.

Experts predict that peak electricity demand could surge by 9-10% this summer, with India expected to experience more heatwave days. In 2023, peak demand surpassed 250 gigawatts (GW) on May 30, exceeding forecasts by 6.3%.

The extreme heat could also affect agriculture. A warmer-than-normal March has already raised concerns about damage to wheat crops. If production drops, the government may consider reducing or removing the 40% import duty on wheat to stabilize supply, according to a Bloomberg report.

Government Prepares for Record Power Demand

To prevent blackouts, authorities have directed power plants to avoid maintenance shutdowns during the peak summer months. Coal stockpiles at power stations have increased by 16% compared to last year, and efforts are underway to ensure uninterrupted power distribution.

Government projections estimate peak electricity demand could reach 270 GW this year, exceeding last year's record 250 GW, Bloomberg reported.

Meanwhile, diesel demand may also rise as people travel to cooler mountain regions and use diesel-powered generators in areas facing power outages.